Anurag Kashyap: Cinema has always been about emotions, stories, and the human touch that connects deeply with audiences. But now, with artificial intelligence stepping into the world of filmmaking, the debate over technology versus creativity is louder than ever. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has sparked that very debate by sharply criticizing producer Vijay Subramaniam for his upcoming AI-generated movie Chiranjeevi Hanuman, The Eternal.
A Fierce Criticism of AI in Cinema
The director, known for his fearless opinions, did not hold back while expressing his disappointment. Sharing the film’s poster on Instagram, Anurag Kashyap directly called out Subramaniam the founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network — accusing him of betraying the very artists he represents. According to Kashyap, the project is not just a film but a dangerous sign of where Hindi cinema could be headed if creativity is replaced by algorithms.
Artists Versus Algorithms
In his post, Anurag Kashyap condemned the idea of actors being sidelined in favor of artificial intelligence. “Any actor or anyone who calls themselves artists and has a spine will be and should be either questioning him or leaving the agency since he has proved that he thinks you’re no match for his AI performance,” he wrote, making it clear that he sees this move as a betrayal of the creative community.
Anurag Kashyap further lashed out at agencies for prioritizing profits over people, pointing out that many companies are more focused on making money than protecting the interests of creators. “This right here is the future for the spineless and cowardly so-called artists in the Hindi Film industry,” he added, expressing anger at what he believes could be the erosion of genuine artistic effort in cinema.
A Larger Concern for the Industry
Though he acknowledged that AI is unstoppable and bound to affect every industry in the future, Anurag Kashyap emphasized that his real frustration lies with Subramaniam. As the CEO of a talent agency that is meant to represent and protect artists, Kashyap believes producing an AI-generated film is a direct contradiction of that responsibility.
His longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane also reacted strongly to the announcement, writing on social media: “And so it begins… Who TF needs writers and directors when it’s ‘Made in AI’?” — a statement that reflects the growing fear among artists about their place in an AI-driven entertainment world.
The Producer’s Defense
Meanwhile, Subramaniam has defended his vision, saying his aim is to merge modern technology with timeless stories in a way that appeals to younger audiences with shorter attention spans. But Kashyap’s fiery words serve as a reminder that while technology may enhance storytelling, it cannot replace the heart, soul, and human depth that true artists bring to cinema.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on statements, interviews, and social media posts available at the time of writing (August 2025). Opinions expressed by individuals are their own and do not reflect the stance of this publication.
